How Do I... Clean My Air Conditioner Filters?
Is your air conditioner sluggish and struggling to cool your room? It might be time to clean the filters – here's how
Georgia Madden
3 February 2018
Senior writer, Houzz Australia
In this practical series, we ask experts to answer your burning design and decorating questions. Here, Trevor Cook, national customer services manager at Fujitsu General Australia, reveals how to keep your air-conditioner filters in tip-top shape.
Image: Fujitsu
Filters are an integral part of an air-conditioning unit. They filter particles in the air and catch dust to ensure that clean air is delivered back into the room.
When you use an air conditioner regularly, dust accumulates on the filter. If left uncleaned, this can clog the indoor unit, which can reduce air flow and diminish the air conditioner’s performance. In effect, your machine will have to work much harder than it should to cool your home, which can add to your energy bills.
Filters are an integral part of an air-conditioning unit. They filter particles in the air and catch dust to ensure that clean air is delivered back into the room.
When you use an air conditioner regularly, dust accumulates on the filter. If left uncleaned, this can clog the indoor unit, which can reduce air flow and diminish the air conditioner’s performance. In effect, your machine will have to work much harder than it should to cool your home, which can add to your energy bills.
How often do the filters need cleaning?
This will depend on how often you use your air conditioner. If you switch it on every day, you may need to clean the filters every three or four weeks. If you only use your air conditioner every couple of weeks, you’ll probably need to clean the filters every three to four months.
It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for specific instructions on how to clean and maintain your air conditioning unit. You should also have it professionally serviced every year or two, again depending on how much you use it.
This will depend on how often you use your air conditioner. If you switch it on every day, you may need to clean the filters every three or four weeks. If you only use your air conditioner every couple of weeks, you’ll probably need to clean the filters every three to four months.
It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s operating manual for specific instructions on how to clean and maintain your air conditioning unit. You should also have it professionally serviced every year or two, again depending on how much you use it.
How do you know when it’s time to clean them?
Look out for signs such as the room not cooling as quickly or effectively as it did before, the unit stopping and starting, moisture dripping from the unit, or condensation. These could all be signs the filters are due for a clean.
Look out for signs such as the room not cooling as quickly or effectively as it did before, the unit stopping and starting, moisture dripping from the unit, or condensation. These could all be signs the filters are due for a clean.
What tools do I need?
To clean the filters and to dust the indoor unit grilles, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner, mild detergent, water and a damp cloth.
To clean the filters and to dust the indoor unit grilles, you’ll need a vacuum cleaner, mild detergent, water and a damp cloth.
Do the different types of air conditioners – split system, ducted and cassette – all have washable filters?
Every type of air-conditioning unit has its own specific filter, and many units will have multiple filters. All filters are removable and most can be cleaned. It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, as some filters will need replacing and cannot be cleaned.
Every type of air-conditioning unit has its own specific filter, and many units will have multiple filters. All filters are removable and most can be cleaned. It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions, as some filters will need replacing and cannot be cleaned.
Can you replace air-conditioner filters?
Carefully washing and cleaning the filters will preserve their life, but a torn or damaged filter will need to be replaced.
With wall-mounted units, replacement filters are generally available from the manufacturer. If you need to replace a filter on a ducted model, speak to an air-conditioning specialist.
Carefully washing and cleaning the filters will preserve their life, but a torn or damaged filter will need to be replaced.
With wall-mounted units, replacement filters are generally available from the manufacturer. If you need to replace a filter on a ducted model, speak to an air-conditioning specialist.
Image: Fujitsu
How do you remove and clean filters?
All manufacturers will have their own instructions on how to access and remove filters. On our Fujitsu General Lifestyle range of wall-mounted units you need to:
How do you remove and clean filters?
All manufacturers will have their own instructions on how to access and remove filters. On our Fujitsu General Lifestyle range of wall-mounted units you need to:
- lift up the front panel,
- pull the filter towards you,
- clean the filter using a vacuum cleaner or wash with mild detergent and warm water, then
- let the filter dry completely, before replacing.
Do I need to clean any other parts?
Yes, dust the grilles and outside panels of the indoor unit. You can use a vacuum, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Do not attempt to clean any other internal components of the unit, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the filters and wiping down the panels.
You should also clear leaves, cobwebs and debris from the outside unit. Use a broom or give it a light wash with a garden hose. A high-pressure cleaner is not recommended.
Yes, dust the grilles and outside panels of the indoor unit. You can use a vacuum, then wipe down with a damp cloth. Do not attempt to clean any other internal components of the unit, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the filters and wiping down the panels.
You should also clear leaves, cobwebs and debris from the outside unit. Use a broom or give it a light wash with a garden hose. A high-pressure cleaner is not recommended.
Should you spray anti-bacterial spray inside your air con when you’re done?
No, as this may damage the system or impact on its performance. It can also damage the filters.
No, as this may damage the system or impact on its performance. It can also damage the filters.
Is there anything else that’s good to know?
Mould can grow on the filters if you put them back in the unit while they are still wet from cleaning, so make sure they’re completely dry before you put them back in.
If you do find mould, speak with a specialist about getting a replacement filter or having it professionally cleaned.
Mould can grow on the filters if you put them back in the unit while they are still wet from cleaning, so make sure they’re completely dry before you put them back in.
If you do find mould, speak with a specialist about getting a replacement filter or having it professionally cleaned.
Tell us
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I…’ stories
Did you find this story useful? Tell us in the Comments section below. And don’t forget to like, share or bookmark this story. Join the conversation.
More
Read more ‘How Do I…’ stories
Related Stories
Eco Living
7 Everyday Steps to an Environmentally Friendly Home
By Kate Shaw
Keen to reduce your household's environmental footprint in a few easy steps? Here's how
Full Story
11
Balconies
How Do I... Decorate a Small Balcony?
Transform a space-starved balcony into a beautiful and functional area with these expert design tips
Full Story
5
Laundries
8 Things You Never Knew You Could Wash
By Ashling Kwok
You might be surprised at the number of things around your home that you can easily wash and refresh
Full Story
24
Popular Houzz Series
How Do I... Organise My Recycling?
A decluttering expert reveals how to keep your recyclables neatly organised and under control
Full Story
4
Outdoor Areas
From Layout to Lighting: Outdoor Entertaining Tips From the Pros
By Ashling Kwok
Create a super-stylish and comfortable outdoor entertaining space with these practical tips from three design pros
Full Story
8
Sustainable Ideas
War on Waste Made Easy: Cut-Price Compost Bins and Worm Farms
By Joanna Tovia
Reducing your household waste is a breeze thanks to the Compost Revolution's discounts and advice
Full Story
6
Heating & Cooling
Burning Question: How Can I Heat my Home for Less?
In the first of our new 'Burning Question' series, three experts help Houzz readers slash their heating bills
Full Story
27
Small Spaces
15 Productive Garden Ideas That Won't Eat Up Your Backyard
No room for a vegie patch? No problem. Here are 15 stylish and space-smart ways to grow fruit and vegetables at home
Full Story
15
How To Use Houzz
Houzz News: Now You Can Save All Your Ideas in One Place!
By Houzz
Here's how to gather inspiration, share it with others and get your next project off the ground
Full Story
Maybe a little more helpful if we could see photos of the component parts - or a short video - of the actual cleaning process?
Go to YouTube. Search for how to clean air conditioner filters (or something similar). Even narrow it to your type or brand of AC.
Duct Cleaning Melbourne is the best duct cleaning company in Melbourne. We offer professional duct cleaning, Ductwork cleaning, air heating duct cleaning services which includes duct sanitisation & deodrisation and duct shampooing services at your door step.
All Best Services Available here:-